Around sports: Djokovic, Serena advance at Italian Open

Top-ranked Novak Djokovic made a solid return to red-clay courts, dominating teenager Bernard Tomic 6-3, 6-3 on Tuesday to open his Italian Open title defense in Rome.

On the women's side, Serena Williams beat 46th-ranked Galina Voskoboeva 6-2, 6-3 for her 14th consecutive victory, following titles in Charleston, S.C., and Madrid - and two wins in Fed Cup. Also, Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova and defending champion Maria Sharapova won in straight sets at Foro Italico to reach the third round.

Cycling

Rodriguez takes Giro d'Italia lead

Spain's Joaquin Rodriguez took the overall lead in the Giro d'Italia from Canada's Ryder Hesjedal after winning the hilly 10th stage with a sprint finish.

Elsewhere, sprinter Peter Sagan of Slovakia surged to the front in the final 100 yards to edge Heinrich Haussler of Australia and win his third straight stage, extending his race lead in the Tour of California.

Soccer

Chandler declines U.S. camp invite

Defender Timmy Chandler has declined an invitation to attend the United States' training camp ahead of its opening qualifiers next month for the 2014 World Cup.

The 22-year-old, a regular starter for Nuremberg in the Bundesliga, made his U.S. national team debut in March 2011 and has eight international appearances.

He holds American and German passports and because he has played only in friendlies for the U.S., he still could switch to Germany's national team.

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